Rack for animal cages

ABSTRACT

Implementations of a rack for animal cages are provided. A rack may be comprised of multiple levels stacked together in a vertical orientation. In some implementations, each level of the rack acts as a frame configured to support thereon one or more tubs (i.e., cages). In some implementations, each level of the rack may be comprised of top panels, glides, joint connectors, vertically oriented legs, and cross beams. In some implementations, two glides may be positioned on a level of the rack to support a top panel and tub therebetween. In this way, the glides hold the top panel in position over the tub and thereby prevent an animal from escaping the interior compartment(s) of the tub. In some implementations, a level may be further comprised of a bracket having a lip thereon. In some implementations, the bracket may be used to reinforce the unsupported edges of the top panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/036,650, which was filed on Aug. 13, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a rack for animal cages.

BACKGROUND

Cages are routinely used to house small animals. With the increased popularity of keeping pet reptiles, there has developed the need to provide caging which meets their specific environmental needs. In general, reptiles require an environment with temperatures and humidity levels greater than what would be comfortable for their human owners.

Reptile caging comes in many forms with some being more suitable than others. Some example caging styles include adapting a fish tank for use with reptiles by adding a specifically designed lid and an artificial heat source, a purpose built vivarium such as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,019 to Heilborn et al., and vertical caging systems which rely on removable/semi-removable tubs. Commercial breeders and some hobbyist prefer vertical caging systems because such systems minimize wasted space and provide for the efficient care and maintenance of the enclosed reptiles.

Numerous vertical caging systems, also referred to as “racks” or “rack systems”, are available on the commercial market. In general, vertical caging systems rely on a support structure comprised of multiple levels each of which is configured to support one or more removable tubs that act as an enclosure. Each tub is at least comprised of a floor having connecting side walls. The lid for each tub is typically an integral portion of the support structure configured to receive the tub. The support structure is typically made of stainless steel and requires welding to complete assembly. Heating elements are typically attached to the supported structure and positioned underneath the tubs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a bottom perspective view of an example implementation of a level of a rack for animal cages according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of an enlarged portion of the level shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a bottom view of an enlarged portion of the level shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example glide according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example joint connector according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example top panel according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example implementation of a rack for animal cages according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the rack for animal cages shown in FIG. 5A.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example bracket according to the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a rack for animal cages are provided. In some implementations, a rack may be comprised of multiple levels stacked together in a vertical orientation. In some implementations, each level of the rack acts as a frame configured to support thereon one or more tubs which act as enclosures. In this way, animals may be housed in the rack.

In some implementations, each level of the rack may be comprised of three top panels, six glides, four joint connectors, four vertically oriented legs, and/or four cross beams. In some implementations, each level may be further comprised of at least two brackets. In some implementations, the vertically oriented legs, cross beams, and joint connecters form a frame to which the glides and/or brackets are secured.

In some implementations, at least two glides are positioned on a level of the rack to support a top panel and/or tub therebetween. In this way, the glides hold the top panel in position over the tub and thereby prevent an animal from escaping from the interior compartment(s) of the tub. In some implementations, two glides may be configured and positioned so that a tub can be removably inserted therebetween. In this way, a caretaker may access the interior compartment(s) of a tub.

In some implementations, each bracket may have a lip thereon. In some implementations, the bracket may be secured to the cross beam of a level of the rack. In some implementations, the bracket may be oriented so that the lip rest against a portion of the forward edge or rearward edge of the top panel. In this way, the bracket may be used to reinforce the edges of the top panel not received within the first longitudinal groove of a glide. This may prevent an animal housed within a tub located below the top panel from being able to push up an unsupported edge of the top panel and thereby escape.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a portion of an example level 110 of a rack 100 for animal cages. In some implementations, multiple levels 110 may be stacked together in a vertical orientation to form a complete rack 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 5A). In some implementations, each assembled level 110 acts as a frame configured to support thereon one or more tubs 105 which act as enclosures (see, e.g., FIG. 5B). In this way, animals may be housed in the rack 100.

In some implementations, tubs such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/775,604, filed on Feb. 25, 2013, may be used with the rack 100 disclosed herein. In some implementations, each tub 105 has a generally rectangular shape defined by a floor and four connected side walls. In some implementations, a tub 105 may have a lip 106 extending from the top surface of each side wall. In some implementations, a tub 105 may only have a lip 106 extending from the top surface of two opposing side walls. In some implementations, any tub 105 configured and/or capable of being received by the glides 120 may be used with the rack 100 disclosed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 5A, in some implementations, each level 110 of the rack 100 may be comprised of three top panels 115, six glides 120, four joint connectors 125, four vertically oriented legs 135, and/or four cross beams 130. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 5A, each level 110 of the rack 100 is configured to be secured to another level 110 and/or a base frame 190. In some implementations, the base frame 190 may include casters.

In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 2, a glide 120 may be comprised of an elongated body member 140 comprised of a first longitudinal groove 142 and a second longitudinal groove 144.

In some implementations, the first longitudinal groove 142 may be comprised of a first side wall 143 a, a second side wall 143 c, and a back wall 143 b (referred to as side walls 143 collectively) (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In this way, the side walls 143 form an opening or groove. In some implementations, the back wall 143 b may be positioned at a perpendicular angle relative to the first side wall 143 a and the second side wall 143 c. In some implementations, the first side wall 143 a and/or the second side wall 143 c may not extend the entire length of the first longitudinal groove 142. In some implementations, the first longitudinal groove 142 may only have a first side wall 143 a and a second side wall 143 c. In some implementations, each of the side walls 143 may be of differing length.

In some implementations, the first longitudinal groove 142 may be configured to receive a portion of a top panel 115 therein (seem e.g., FIG. 1C). In some implementations, two glides 120 may be oriented so that the opening of the first longitudinal groove 142 of each glide 120 is facing the other (see, e.g., FIG. 1A). In this way, each side 117 of the top panel 115 may be supported therebetween (see, e.g., FIG. 1C). In some implementations, the top panel 115 may be flexible and thereby removable by the end user.

In some implementations, the second longitudinal groove 144 may be comprised of a first side wall 145 a, a second side wall 145 c, and a back wall 145 b (referred to as side walls 145 collectively) (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In this way, the side walls 145 form an opening or groove. In some implementations, the back wall 145 b may be positioned at a perpendicular angle relative to the first side wall 145 a and the second side wall 145 c. In some implementations, the second longitudinal groove 144 may only have a first side wall 145 a and a second side wall 145 c. In some implementations, each of the side walls 145 may be of differing length.

In some implementations, the second longitudinal groove 144 may be configured to receive a portion of the lip 106 of a tub 105 therein (see, e.g., FIG. 5B). In some implementations, two glides 120 may be oriented so that the opening of the second longitudinal groove 144 of each glide 120 is facing the other (see, e.g., FIG. 1C). In this way, a tub 105 may be supported therebetween (see, e.g., FIG. 5A and 5B). In some implementations, a tub 105 may be slide into and out of the second longitudinal groove 144 by the caretaker.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the second side wall 143 c of the first longitudinal groove 142 may be located oppositely of the second side wall 145 c of the second longitudinal groove 144. In some implementations, the second side wall 143 c of the first longitudinal groove 142 and second side wall 145 c of the second longitudinal groove 144 are opposite sides of the same structure (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In some implementations, the second side wall 143 c of the first longitudinal groove 142 and second side wall 145 c of the second longitudinal groove 144 are not opposite sides of the same structure

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the body member 140 of the glide 120 may have four openings 148 a, 148 b, 148 c, 148 d (referred to as openings 148 collectively) therethrough. In some implementations, the openings 148 may be positioned adjacent the top side 150 of the glide 120 (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In some implementations, the openings 148 may be configured to receive a screw, bolt, and/ or other fastening device therethrough. In this way, by inserting a screw (for example) through the openings 148 the glide 120 may be secured to the cross beams 130 of the rack 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 5B).

As shown in FIG. 1B, in some implementations, two glides 120 may be placed so that their backsides are touching. In this position, the openings 148 c, 148 d of each glide 120 may be in alignment and a screw or other suitable fastener may be used to secured the glides 120 together (see, e.g., FIG. 1B).

In some implementations, more than six or less than six glides 120 may be used on a level 110 of the rack 100. In this way, the number and/or size of the tubs 105 supported on each level 110 of the rack 100 may be varied based on user needs.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, a joint connector 125 may be comprised of four spokes 126 extending from a body portion 127. In some implementations, there may be more than four or less than four spokes 126 extending from the body portion 127 of the joint connector 125 (e.g., three spokes). In some implementations, each spoke 126 may have an interior opening supposed by an X-shaped structure 128 extending therethrough (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In this way, the structural strength of the spoke 126 may be increased while potentially minimizing the overall weight of the joint connector 125. In some implementations, the interior opening of each spoke 126 may not have any structure therein. In some implementations, each spoke 126 may be a solid piece of material.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, in some implementations, the spokes 126 of a joint connector 125 may be configured to be received within an interior portion (not shown) of the cross beams 130 used to assemble a level 110 of the rack 100. In this way, the cross beams 130 in conjunction with the joint connectors 125 may form a portion of a frame (or support structure). In some implementations, the spokes 126 of a joint connector 125 may be configured to be received within an interior portion of the vertically oriented legs 135 (see, e.g., FIG. 5A). In this way, the vertically oriented legs 135 in conjunction with the joint connectors 125 may be used to connect multiple levels 110 of the rack 100 together (see, e.g., FIG. 5A). In some implementations, more than four or less than four connecters 125 may be used to assemble a single level 110 of the rack 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, a top panel 115 may have the general shape of a rectangle. In some implementations, a top panel 115 may be any suitable shape. In some implementations, the top panel 115 may have a series of openings 116 extending therethrough (see, e.g., FIG. 4). In this way, the openings 116 facilitates air exchange between the interior of a tub 105 and the exterior environment (see, e.g., FIG. 5B). In some implementations, the diameter of the openings 116 through a top panel 115 may be varied to regulate the humidity within a tub 105 located underneath. In some implementations, the top panel 115 may be configured so that a portion of each longitudinal edge 117 may be received with the first longitudinal groove 142 of a glide 120.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in some implementations, a bracket 160 may have a lip 162 thereon. In some implementations, the bracket 160 may be secured to the cross beam 130 of a level 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 6A). In some implementations, the bracket 160 may be oriented so that the lip 162 rest against a portion of the forward edge 118 or rearward edge 119 of the top panel 115 (see, e.g., FIG. 6A). In this way, the bracket 160 may be used to reinforce the edges of the top panel 115 not received within a portion of the glide 120 (i.e., the forward edge 118 and/or the rearward edge 119 of the top panel 115). This may prevent an animal housed within a tub 105 located below the top panel 115 from being able to push up an unsupported edge of the top panel 115 and thereby escape. In some implementations, a bracket 160 may be secured to the backside of a cross beam 130 located on the backside of a rack 100 so that it protrudes below a bottom side of the cross beam 130. In this way, the bracket 160 may act as an over travel stop for a tub 105 being inserted into a glide 120 from a front side of the rack 100.

In some implementations, the glide 120 may be a single unitary piece. In some implementations, the glide 120 may be injection molded as a single unitary piece. In some implementations, the glide 120 may be manufactured from a polymer material. In this way, the glide 120 may be lighter than a glide manufactured from a metal.

In some implementations, the joint connector 125 may be injection molded. In this way, the joint connector 125 may be cheaper to manufacture than a comparable machined joint connector. In some implementations, the joint connector 125 may be manufactured from a polymer material. In this way, the joint connector 125 may be lighter than a joint connector manufactured from a metal.

In some implementations, the top panel 115 may be injection molded. In this way, the top panel 115 may be cheaper to manufacture than a comparable machined top panel. In some implementations, the top panel 115 may be manufactured from a polymer material.

In some implementations, shipping weight may be reduced by up to 40% when polymer injection molding, instead of metal (e.g., 300 series stainless steel), is used to make the components (e.g., the top panels 115, glides 120, joint connectors 125, vertically oriented legs 135, and/or cross beams 130 described herein) of the rack 100 described herein.

In some implementations, by using the top panels 115, glides 120, joint connectors 125, vertically oriented legs 135, and/or cross beams 130 described herein, the manufacturer may be able to ship the rack unassembled. In this way, the cost of shipping may be reduced.

In some implementations, by using the top panels 115, glides 120, joint connectors 125, vertically oriented legs 135, and/or cross beams 130 described herein, the end user may be able to assemble a rack with hand tools (e.g., a mallet and/or a screw driver).

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. 

1. A rack for animal cages comprising: at least one enclosure having a floor, four exterior side walls, and a lip extending outwardly from a top surface of at least two of the four exterior side walls; at least one top panel; at least two glides, each glide comprises a first longitudinal groove and a second longitudinal groove, the first longitudinal groove is configured to receive a portion of the at least one top panel therein, the second longitudinal groove is configured to removably receive a portion of the lip extending outwardly from the top surface of the at least one enclosure.
 2. The rack for animal cages of claim 1 wherein the first longitudinal groove of each glide comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, and a back wall; the second longitudinal groove of each glide comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, and a back wall.
 3. The rack for animal cages of claim 2 wherein the second side wall of the first longitudinal groove and the second side wall of the second longitudinal groove are opposite sides of the same structure.
 4. The rack for animal cages of claim 2 wherein the back wall of the first longitudinal groove is at a perpendicular angle relative to the first side wall and the second side wall thereof; the back wall of the second longitudinal groove is at a perpendicular angle relative to the first side wall and the second side wall thereof.
 5. The rack for animal cages of claim 1 wherein a first glide is positioned so that an opening of the first longitudinal groove thereof is facing an opening of the first longitudinal groove of a second glide positioned across from the first glide.
 6. The rack for animal cages of claim 5 wherein the first glide is positioned so that an opening of the second longitudinal groove thereof is facing an opening of the second longitudinal groove of the second glide positioned across from the first glide.
 7. The rack for animal cages of claim 1 further comprising at least one bracket having a lip thereon, the lip extends from the at least one bracket at an angle perpendicular thereto and rest against the top panel.
 8. The rack for animal cages of claim 1 further comprising at least one horizontal cross beam and at least one bracket having a lip thereon; the lip extends from the at least one bracket at an angle perpendicular thereto; the at least one bracket is secured to the horizontal cross beam so that the lip protrudes from a bottom side of the horizontal cross beam into the travel path of the at least one enclosure thereby acting as an over travel stop for the at least one enclosure.
 9. The rack for animal cages of claim 1 wherein the at least two glides are made of injection molded polymer.
 10. The rack for animal cages of claim 7 wherein the at least one bracket is made of injection molded polymer.
 11. The rack for animal cages of claim 8 wherein the at least one bracket is made of injection molded polymer.
 12. A rack for animal cages comprising: at least one removable enclosure having a floor, four exterior side walls, and a lip extending outwardly from a top surface of at least two of the four exterior side walls; at least one top panel; at least one bracket having a lip thereon, the lip extending from the at least one bracket at an angle perpendicular thereto; wherein the lip of a first bracket rest against the at least one top panel.
 13. The rack for animal cages of claim 12 further comprising at least one cross beam and a second bracket; the second bracket is secured to the cross beam so that the lip thereof protrudes below a bottom side of the cross beam into the travel path of the at least one removable enclosure thereby acting as an over travel stop for the at least one removable enclosure.
 14. The rack for animal cages of claim 13 wherein the first and second brackets are made of injection molded polymer. 